How to access Manor Lords beta. Long-awaited major update arrives, but many features end up in the graveyard

The popular strategy game Manor Lords, created by Grzegorz Styczen, will receive a significant update in the near future. According to the game’s creator, developing this new patch proved more difficult than expected. He explained in a recent post that expanding the development team and reorganizing the codebase – originally built by a single person – caused delays.

According to Styczen, the engine window in Unreal Engine contains many features and ideas that were ultimately cut from the project. He explained that letting go of these concepts was necessary to ensure the project progressed successfully.

The developer announced that future updates will be released more frequently, though they’ll be smaller in size. That said, the newest beta version represents a major improvement, enhancing both how the game plays and its underlying technology.

Patch 0.8.035 in beta version introduces a range of new features. Among them we will find:

maps (including Large Lake, Devil’s Hill, and Jagged Cliffs);
game modes: Duel (1 on 1 duel with AI) and Fractured Realm (4 rulers fighting for domination);
expanded castle system – the option to upgrade walls and gates, place soldiers on walls, use ladders, or control individual gates;
buildings and resources: quarry, stone workshop, lime kiln, and related materials;
system of maintenance, efficiency, and productivity – players now need to pay more attention to infrastructure and logistics.
a redesigned settlement development system based on so-called development perks, which are to be more realistic and less obvious in their selection;
processed food and raw material systems – e.g., vegetables were divided into cabbage, carrots, and beetroots, and meat was divided into: beef, mutton, pork, etc.;
the interface now features a medieval style and new screens, such as production and consumption overview.

The update also includes numerous balance changes, performance improvements, and many smaller features designed to make the game more enjoyable.

As I said before, you can test the patch now in its beta form before the official release. The developer notes that because of changes to how data is organized, your old saved games won’t work with this new version. To ensure the beta runs properly, it’s also recommended that you disable any mods you’re using.

How to access Manor Lords beta?

To activate the beta on Steam, you have to:

Go to the game’s properties;
Navigate to the Beta tab;
Enter the password: veryNiceBasket;
Select the “pre_release” option and wait for the files to download.

Check the Steam developer log for a complete list of updates. The developers also welcome your feedback on Discord.

2025-10-06 12:04

How to access Manor Lords beta?

Read More